South Africa pick three novices to face India

Three uncapped players were on Friday named in the South African squad to face India in a one-off Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on March 30.

Written by Agence-France Presse

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Johannesburg:

Three uncapped players were on Friday named in the South African squad to face India in a one-off Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on March 30.

Long-serving all-rounder Jacques Kallis is the only player currently in South Africa's Test squad in New Zealand who has been selected.

The match has been billed as a tribute to him.

Titans batsman Farhaan Behardien and Cape Cobras wicketkeeper Dane Vilas gained their first call-ups at international level, while Faf du Plessis, a regular member of the one-day international side, will be making his Twenty20 international debut.

The decision to rest the Test players means that AB de Villiers, in his first season as South African one-day and Twenty20 captain, will be missing, together with vice-captain Hashim Amla. Former captain Johan Botha will lead the side.

"We are leaving all the players out who are involved in the current Test match against New Zealand with the exception of Jacques Kallis, for whom there are special circumstances," said selection convener Andrew Hudson.

"They will arrive back home two days before the start of the match, having travelled halfway across the world, and we don't believe they will be in any condition to play an international game of cricket.

"We still have a very strong squad for this important match, including the bulk of the players who won the T20 international series in New Zealand."